The Ramon Crater (Makhtesh Ramon)

The Ramon Crater in Israel’s Negev Desert is the world’s largest erosion crater or makhtesh. A landform unique to Israel’s Negev and Egypt’s Sinai deserts’, a makhtesh is a large erosion cirque, created 220 million years ago when oceans covered the area (the word crater is therefore a misleading translation of Hebrew to English.) The Ramon Crater measures 40km in length and between 2 and 10km in width, shaped like a long heart, and forms Israel’s largest national park, the Ramon Nature Reserve.

Visiting the Ramon Crater can vary from a stop off on a journey through the Negev to witness the crater from above, or a longer visit to take in the history and science of the area, hike, drive or cycle through the makhtesh, and appreciate the unique geology that is on offer.

The visitors center, located on the edge of Makhtesh Ramon in the city of Mitspe Ramon is the gateway to the makhtesh. As visitors ascend the ramp through the building, they view displays that present ‘windows’ on to the geography, geology, flora, fauna and history of the region from prehistoric to modern times. The display leads upward to a breathtaking view of the makhtesh through a floor-to-ceiling window and the rooftop. A film explains how the makhtesh was formed and a three-dimensional interactive model helps bring home an understanding of the topography of this unique region. The visitors center personnel are able to provide information on trails and conditions within the makhtesh.

The Makhtesh Ramon Visitors Center by ForestForTrees, on Flickr

As a unique environment, the makthesh is a unique habitat for wildlife. Bio Ramon is run by the parks authority and offers an exciting peek at the rare and shy creatures that inhabit the makhtesh, in surroundings that simulate their natural desert homes. Bio Ramon has some 40 species of small desert creatures, as well as snakes, rodents, porcupines, lizards, scorpions and turtles. Guided tours are offered to all visitors. Its botanical-ecological garden presents six characteristic habitats including typical plants, rock formations and landscapes.

Ibex glance over the edge of Makhtesh Ramon by RonAlmog, on Flickr

If you want to take your visit to the crater even further, located in the heart of some of the makthesh’s most beautiful trails is the Be’erot campground. The only campsite in the crater, visitors can sleep either beneath the stars of in Bedouin hospitality tents. The Bedouin hospitality experience includes coffee, tea and pita bread (for groups, by reservation). As well as overnight stays, the campsite is a great place to stop off if exploring the crater for a meal.

more things to do

BOOK AT TOURIST ISRAEL

TOURS IN ISRAEL

Over 100 tours in Israel including day tours, multi-day tours, packages, private tours, and more. From the must-visits including tours to Jerusalem, Masada, Dead Sea, Galilee, and Petra, to the more off-the-beaten-track, all tours on Tourist Israel are available to book with guaranteed departures and the best prices.

PACKAGE TOURS

Relax and enjoy Israel while you let us take care of everything for you. Our carefully designed Israel tour packages will help you maximize your time in Israel. See all the major attractions, get the best value, and experience Israel with our hand-picked guides.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATION

With the widest selection of hotels, hostels, bed and breakfasts, resorts, and zimmers across the country, we have your accommodation needs covered.

EVENTS

From the biggest concerts in Tel Aviv to the events only locals know about, we hand pick the events which give the most amazing insight into experiencing Israel like an Israeli.